It’s Friday afternoon at Villa Arnica in Lana, Südtirol, and guests are slowly rolling in for a weekend that has been almost five months in the planning. Two years ago we booked out this fine little establishment for a mixed gathering of friends (they came from points far and wide and many had never met before) and now we’re repeating the exercise with a few fresh additions. Mats has looked after all the logistics for the group and long before we head up to the Monocle outpost in Merano (a 10-minute drive away) for our summer party, we will have already gone for a long yet gentle hike, had lunch at Vigilius and taken multiple dips in the pool. According to my diary, this weekend and the following seven days mark the high point of my summer social calendar as it’s back into the full swing of work from 16 July. Then there is the Olympics. And, all going to plan, August will mostly be spent in Zürich, with side trips to Gstaad, Vals, St Moritz and maybe a bit of Italy. And you? What are you planning? If you’re looking at your calendar and are still at a bit of a loss on the transport and accommodation front, here are a couple of travel related Qs (from friends and Monocle readers) that I have provided As for over the past month or so.

Q: We’re taking the family to Japan at the end of July…
A: Stop right there! Why are you going to Japan in July? Unless you’re thinking of a gentle drive around the outer reaches of Hokkaido in a vintage Land Cruiser or totally pimped-out Alphard, I cannot endorse this. Please come back to me when you want to go in November or early March.

Q: Where do you stay in Tokyo now that the Park Hyatt is closed for renovations?
A: I just tried the Palace Hotel for the second time this year (see my column from a few weeks ago) and like the balconies, the proximity to Ginza and also the very good bar. For pure convenience and proximity to Monocle’s office, I’m also a fan of Trunk Hotel at Yoyogi Park.

Q: If you could pick one country to cover by rail, where would you recommend?
A: I assume you’re talking about Europe? Are you? If so, then I’d say Switzerland for short distances but also the mix of rolling stock and the abundance of dining cars on offer. For longer jaunts and impressive infrastructure, you need to try Spain. A couple of weeks ago I sampled Trenitalia’s new Iryo brand on Spanish tracks (Barcelona to Madrid) and was mightily impressed by the First Class carriage, the perky staff and the catering. I was still missing the dining car but the Italians rolling at the highest speeds on Spain’s rails is a good thing as it will force state operator Renfe to up its game.

Q: I recall you went to St Barth’s recently. Would you go back? And where would you stay?
A: I would go back in a flash, in the right season obviously. I was at the Rosewood Le Guanahani. Super bungalow, great team and well located.

Q: Do you have any thoughts on a place that’s a bit secluded but not too secluded, good for sport but not too sporty and also has plenty of shopping nearby?
A: This is an easy one. Again, I’ll assume you’re talking about Europe. Jennica Shamoon Arazi keeps upping the ante at the Marbella Club (pictured, top right), so get a bungalow and set yourself up on the beach (pictured, bottom left). For pure convenience, it’s hard to beat. You’ve got plenty of flights into Málaga, an amazing promenade for morning walks and jogging, a superb kids’ club, a new-generation branch of Zara Home in Puerto Banús, the Plaza de los Naranjos (pictured, bottom right) for catching the late-afternoon sun in the old town and El Fuerte de Marbella to relax by the pool (pictured, top left).

For more travel tips from the Monocle team, we’re launching a new travel-and-shopping newsletter from this Friday. Watch for it in your inbox.